A national survey of instrument sharpening guidelines

Drilling of Bone: Practicality, Limitations and Complications Associated with Surgical Drill-Bits

“…Seventy-five percent of surveyed hospitals in the United Kingdom do not routinely monitor their surgical instruments for sharpness and wear (Singh, Davenport et al 2010). Up to 45% of hospitals surveyed in the United Kingdom are utilising single-use drill-bits (Singh, Davenport et al 2010), but for all intents and purposes orthopaedic surgical drill-bits are multiple-use items (Ashford, Pande et al 2001).…”

“…Up to 45% of hospitals surveyed in the United Kingdom are utilising single-use drill-bits (Singh, Davenport et al 2010), but for all intents and purposes orthopaedic surgical drill-bits are multiple-use items (Ashford, Pande et al 2001). They are distinctly different from oscillating saw blades (another source of heat generation) and other cutting tools used in orthopaedic surgery in that they are not considered or treated as consumables.…”

Biomechanics in Applications

“…Seventy-five percent of surveyed hospitals in the United Kingdom do not routinely monitor their surgical instruments for sharpness and wear (Singh, Davenport et al 2010). Up to 45% of hospitals surveyed in the United Kingdom are utilising single-use drill-bits (Singh, Davenport et al 2010), but for all intents and purposes orthopaedic surgical drill-bits are multiple-use items (Ashford, Pande et al 2001). They are distinctly different from oscillating saw blades (another source of heat generation) and other cutting tools used in orthopaedic surgery in that they are not considered or treated as consumables.…”